LCD vs. CRT

[Triton]

I just built my new computer system, and coincidentally i just graduated from high school, and i have come across a bit of graduation money :x :) ..... the only thing i did not buy was a new monitor, so that is my question, which is better, the CRT or the LCD??? Ive compared a few prices here and there, and ive found some pretty good CRT's at decent prices, and for each monitor size, the LCD monitor runs about 200$ more...would there be any benefit to spending the extra money??? ive also heard something about a "ghosting effect" when playing fast pased games on an LCD, is this true?? I just wanna know the ups and downs of each....thanks

[iceblue]

LCDs: space-saving, low-power consumption (~60%), less eyestrain (..flicker free), more screen (no black deadspace), less glare, less heat, screen privacy (angles)

CRT: more color depth, heavy, low purchase price, ideal for fps gamers

:)

[killer_teddy]

CRT:
pros:good image, cheaper.
cons:bad for eyes, big.

LCT:
pros:small, better for your eyes, easier for you to move.
cons:not so good image particularly for gaming, cost,

I'd say CRT but then I would like both myself LCD for normal use then when I game I could switch to CRT, it depends what is more important to ya.

[killer_teddy]

dammit Iceblue you beat me to that one.

[iceblue]

http://membres.lycos.fr/limagerie//jumpy.gif

[cbh]

If you like LCD, go and get it.

Don't hesitate anymore.

:D

[2penguins]

CRT doesn't flicker once you raise the refresh to 73 or above.

I prefer CRT hands down, but there are some good LCD screens out there.
Samsung SyncMaster 172T LCD is pretty good. If the price wasn't so high I would consider one for myself.

If I had just graduated HS and heading off to Uni I would
seriously consider LCD.

[Bigjakkstaffa]

I'm a CRT boy, unless you live in a showbox or dont play games then IMO its gotta be a CRT. Cheaper, allowing the hardcore gamer to spend more moulagh on that nice new graphics card so he/she can play quake 3 at 7million FPS, and there are problems with LCD's and image quality when gaming

--Jakk:t

[iceblue]

the higher the refresh rate, the lower the life.

they say that low cost LCDs get the "ghosting effect"... well mine is relatively old (only 15") and does not even have a brand. no problems with it when playing fast games such as Enemy Territory, RTCW, MOHAA, CS...and the list goes on.

[Triton]

Well, thanks for the advice guys, i appreciate it, looks like i'll have to go do some more price comparing, but im still drawn between the space saving LCD and the better gaming abilities(and $$$) of the CRT, because games will be necessary to relieve stress in college:rolleyes: ...i Think im kinda leaning towards the LCD though.....another quick Q...what are "electroluminescent monitors"?? the same as LCD??? thanks again guys

[Eric Legge]

A 15" LCD screen is the equivalent of a 17" CRT screen, and a 17" LCD screen is the equivalent of a 19" CRT screen, because quite a bit of a CRT screen is hidden by the case.

But who knows how long the lifespan of an LCD screen is, and whether or not the picture quality deteriorates over time?

LCD monitors might not last as long as CRT monitors and their screen quality might deteriorate compared to a CRT monitor, the screen quality of which stays the pretty much the same until it gives up the ghost.

I've had a CTX 15" CRT monitor since 1997 and the screen quality is the same as it ever was.

Eric,
http://www.legge40.freeserve.co.uk/BuyerBeware.htm

[2penguins]

Triton,
LCD works a bit like this;
each pixel on the colour LCD panel is made of 3 different liquid crystals each tuned to a different colour.
by changing the electrical current to the crystals they change shape and either display colour or block it.

The ghosting is caused by the morphing of the crystals.
They don't just turn on and off, they gradually change, so it causes a fading effect. it's a bit like the streaking effect you see in action photos.

Electroluminescent monitors (OEL) is a film made of organic LEDs, pretty freaky stuff.
Nobody's made one yet (other than prototypes) but Sony is supposedly looking at producing them in the near future.

You'll see them in mobile phones and PDAs first.

[x51out]

Soon, there will be 12ms refresh-rate LCD's on the market that will be ok for gaming. If you can afford one...

[Triton]

Thank you very much Eric Legge for that link, learned a few new things, i think it made me decide on gettin a CRT(probably 19 or 21 inch) over an LCD for several reasons, now i just need to find a very reasonably priced one around....thanks for everyones replys:t :p

[x51out]

I myself have a 19" CRT, and takes up some desk space. 21" CRTs are enormous, you'll see. You'll stand next to one and mutter: "... no friggen way..."

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Given the current prices id say 19" is prolly the best idea ATM for monitor sizes

--Jakk:t

[x51out]

Considering how expensive 21" monitors still are, I'd say yer right.

[silent]

i like my 17inch crt. I go to a lot of lans and theres no way im draging a 21incher around:x

But i agree with iceblues points.

[americaonline]

Lcd has better image quality. Only, that it can't display colors as good as a crt!

[zybch]

I have just supplied a 17" Acer LCD to a customer of mine, and upon reading it's manual there is a small paragraph about the backlight (probably cold cathode/fluro) lasting around 10,000 hours before needing to be replaced.
Now 10,000 is a long time, but if you are considering a large LCD like 17-19 inches, you'll probably be paying so much for it that you'll want to keep using it for years and years.
It'd be like buying a car and having to replace the engine every 3 years. A real pain.

[2penguins]

Replacing the bulb isn't that bad...I don't do it, but a mate of mine does.

He's a laptop kinda guy...:rolleyes:

[Eric Legge]

10,000 hours is only 416 days, or say about 2 to 2.5 years of use.

So, how much does this backlight cost?

Because parts for laptops are usually expensive, and I don't see why a desktop LCD screen's backlight will be any cheaper to replace.

Eric,
http://www.legge40.freeserve.co.uk/BuyerBeware.htm

[zybch]

I'm not sure how much the backlight is likley to cost. My guess would be US$150-$200.
Not that the lamps actually cost that much, just like data projector lamps can cost anywhere up to us$800 but probably only cost $15 to produce.

The manufacturers (like retailers everywhere) will charge the absolute highest price that consumers are prepared to pay. (Good old capitalism at work).

[cuelebre]

IF there is budget for it I will get a 21" CTR before they become extinct.